Dana White confirms UFC's interest in Japanese market, fighters

LAS VEGAS – It has been over eight years since the UFC last visited the “Land of the Rising Sun,” but UFC President Dana White made it very clear at the UFC 94 post-event press conference that Japan is still very much a part of the organization’s future.

“The Japanese market has always been important to me,” White said. “It’s a very, very, very tough place to navigate and do business. But, [expletive] ‘em. We’re going to do it anyway. They will not stop me from going into Japan.”

While White didn’t mention specific plans for a Japanese event, he did make mention of three high-profile free agents that may be on their way to the UFC.

Tops on the list was K-1 and Shooto veteran Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto (17-1).

“I’ve been a ‘Kid’ Yamamoto fan for a long time,” White said. “I’d love to get him over here.”

Yamamoto, who last fought in December 2007, would seem to be a candidate for the WEC based on his normal walking-around weight of around 143 pounds. Currently riding a 14-fight winning streak, including notable victories over Genki Sudo, Caol Uno, Royler Gracie and Jeff Curran, Yamamoto has competed in the 155-pound weight class in previous bouts.

White said Yamamoto has also expressed his interest in making a transition to the U.S.

“There’s two fights left on [Yamamoto’s] K-1 contract, and he told me his dream is to end his career over here with us,” White said. “So I’d like to see it happen.”

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